The Los Angeles Lakers have been proactive in the offseason, attempting to address critical roster gaps to elevate their status in the fiercely competitive NBA landscape. With the additions of Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia, the Lakers have bolstered their frontcourt depth. However, these moves alone are not enough to position them as legitimate contenders against the NBA’s elite teams. The roster still lacks the necessary depth and talent to compete for a championship, and a hard salary cap restriction complicates their ability to make further additions.
According to ESPN, the Lakers are currently constrained by a hard cap at the first apron due to signing Ayton and LaRavia using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. This restriction prevents them from filling their final roster spot until January 18, leaving them unable to sign additional players without making significant roster adjustments. To unlock the flexibility needed to pursue a game-changing free agent, the Lakers must consider parting ways with one of their veteran players—most notably, Maxi Kleber.
Why Maxi Kleber Must Go
Maxi Kleber, a 33-year-old forward, is in the final year of his contract, earning $11 million for the 2025-26 season. On paper, Kleber is an ideal fit for the Lakers’ needs. His ability to stretch the floor offensively and defend multiple positions makes him a versatile asset. However, his significant injury history overshadows his potential contributions. Since joining the Lakers in the Luka Doncic trade, Kleber missed the entire second half of the previous regular season and has not played more than 43 games in a regular season over the past three years. His injury-prone nature makes him an unreliable option for a team aiming for a deep playoff run.
The Lakers are already committed to paying eight-figure salaries to bench players Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent for the upcoming season. Retaining Kleber at $11 million would strain their financial flexibility, especially for a player who may not be available consistently. To address this, the Lakers could explore trading Kleber, leveraging draft capital to offload his contract, or utilize a contract stretch provision to spread his salary over the next three seasons, freeing up cap space immediately.
The Path to Al Horford
By moving Kleber, the Lakers could create the necessary cap space to pursue a high-impact free agent, with Al Horford emerging as the top target. Horford, a versatile and experienced big man, remains unsigned on the free agent market. His ability to space the floor, defend at a high level, and provide veteran leadership would be a significant upgrade for the Lakers. Signing Horford could transform Los Angeles into a legitimate championship contender, addressing their need for a reliable and multifaceted frontcourt presence.
If Horford is unavailable or chooses to sign elsewhere, other free agents like Precious Achiuwa and Trey Lyles could also be viable options. Achiuwa offers defensive tenacity and rebounding, while Lyles provides scoring and versatility. Either player could effectively fill the Lakers’ final roster spot and contribute to a more balanced and competitive team.
A Strategic Move for Championship Aspirations
The decision to part ways with Maxi Kleber, while difficult, is a strategic necessity for the Lakers. His injury history and high salary make him a luxury the team cannot afford, especially with other capable players available on the free agent market. By clearing Kleber’s contract, the Lakers can unlock the flexibility to sign a player like Al Horford, whose skills and experience could propel them toward championship contention.
The Lakers’ front office must act decisively to reshape the roster before the January 18 deadline. Trading or stretching Kleber’s contract could be the shocking move that unlocks the perfect free agent signing, setting the stage for a transformative season in Los Angeles.